WIREDGOV

The FSA is seeking information from relevant groups on the sale and consumption of whole insects and other animals, such as worms, in the UK, including details of species that are currently on sale. This follows a request by the EU Commission for all EU member states to identify insects introduced to the EU market after 15 May 1997, which may, in future, require a novel food safety assessment.

Further information about the issue can be found in the letter below, which was sent to interested parties on 12 August 2011.

Any relevant information should be emailed to the Agency's Novel Foods Unit at novelfoods@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk by Friday 2 September 2011. Interested parties unable to meet this deadline should email the Novel Foods Unit as soon as possible.